Cedric Tillman's breakout season with the Browns 'has been in the works for a while'
Cedric Tillman’s last three games haven’t come as a surprised to Cleveland Browns wide receivers coach Chad O’Shea. The second-year NFL receiver and former Tennessee star has earned his opportunity and isn’t missing his chance.
“Been really impressed with Cedric and his performance on the field,” O’Shea said during a press conference on Friday. “It’s not by accident. This is something that has been in the works for a while just because of his work ethic and how he has improved.”
The improvement jumps off the page.
Tillman this season has 24 catches for 264 yards and three touchdowns, with almost all of it coming over the last three games — 21 catches, 255 yards and all three touchdowns.
Cedric Tillman targeted 32 times in last three games
He caught six passes for 75 yards and a touchdown on November 3 against the Chargers, after he had seven catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns against the Ravens. He had eight catches for 81 yards against the Bengal on October 20.
Tillman has been targeted 32 times over the last three games.
The success, O’Shea said, has been earned through the weeks.
“(It’s) the things off the field,” he said, “in the meeting room he has been just outstanding. He’s really followed some of the leaders that we have on our team, just how to go about his business on a daily basis. And on the field he has had opportunity, and I think he’s made the most of his opportunity.”
As a rookie last season, Tillman caught 21 passes for 224 yards in 14 games, making three starts.
Tillman had a breakout junior season at Tennessee in 2022, catching 64 passes for 1,081 yards and 12 touchdowns. He became the first Tennessee receiver to go over 1,000 yards since Justin Hunter in 2010.
He struggled with a high-ankle sprain during his senior season in 2023, playing only six games. He caught 37 passes for 417 yards and three touchdowns.
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Cedric Tillman was one of four Tennessee players selected in third round of 2023 NFL Draft
Tillman was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, taken at No. 74 overall by the Browns.
Tillman was one of four Tennessee players selected in the third round in 2023. Hendon Hooker went at No. 68 overall to the Detroit Lions and Jalin Hyatt was picked one spot ahead of Tillman at No. 73 overall to the New York Giants. Defensive end Byron Young was picked at No. 77 overall by the Los Angeles Rams.
Just 23 games into his NFL career, Tillman is proving to be a third-round steal with what he brings both on and off the field.
“He is prepared for the opportunity,” O’Shea said, “and that’s what I am proud of most with Cedric. It’s the work ethic and the things that are not seen on game day that has really allowed him to have the opportunity to be so successful on the field.”
